Packers' Matthews probable, Nelson still out

December 14, 2012|Sports Network

GREEN BAY -- The Packers will have top pass rusher Clay Matthews available for Sunday's key NFC North clash with the Bears, though wide receiver Jordy Nelson will miss at least one more week due to a lingering hamstring injury.

Matthews has sat out Green Bay's last four contests after straining his hamstring in a win over the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 4, but practiced without restrictions on Friday and was listed as probable on the final injury report.

The Pro Bowl outside linebacker accounted for 3 1/2 of Green Bay's seven sacks of Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler during the Packers' 23-10 victory over the Bears at Lambeau Field back in Week 2.

Nelson, who had nine catches totaling 84 yards in that above-mentioned win, has been ruled out for a second consecutive week. The five-year pro initially sustained the injury during the first quarter of a Dec. 2 home win over Minnesota.

The Packers had already declared veteran defensive back Charles Woodson out for Sunday's clash, in which Green Bay can clinch the NFC North by defeating the second-place Bears. Woodson has not played since fracturing his collarbone at St. Louis on Oct. 21.

Running back James Starks and defensive end C.J. Wilson will also miss the Chicago game due to knee ailments, while wide receiver Donald Driver (thumb) and right guard Josh Sitton (hip) are both questionable.